Despite constant reassurances the economy is on the rise, opening a small business remains an apprehensive venture, particularly in Michigan and even more so in Montcalm County. However, a new initiative in West Michigan aims to help small businesses gain some traction, whether they are just starting or already established. The Pure Michigan Micro Lending Initiative is prepared to help the smallest of businesses capture some much needed capital. Huntington Bank has pledged a $5 million, five-year commitment to fund this initiative. Funds will be dolled out through the Opportunity Resource Fund.

One arm curl, one deadlift, one bench press a time, athletes at Carson City-Crystal High School are diligently preparing for their upcoming autumn sports seasons. Unfortunately for them, that currently means lifting weights that literally have holes rusted through them and performing on machines that are held together with duct tape.

Sitting in the main chamber of the Pere Marquette Depot, no taller than the chair she was sitting in, Logan Ostrander patiently waited for her time to speak. The 4-year-old, struggling to see over the seat in front of her, was likely unaware of the city business that was being discussed by members of the Belding City Council.

What started out as a normal afternoon for the Dolson family turned into a shocker. Quite literally. Just around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Todd Dolson was upstairs in his Six Lakes home when he heard a loud bang and felt his whole house literally move under his feet.

Andy and Molly Brown had never attended a county land auction, but that didn’t stop them from being the first two in line at the Sheridan Community Center on Friday morning.

The husband and wife from Grand Rapids traveled to Sheridan for the annual Ionia/Montcalm County minimum bid land auction. They were joined by more than 100 individuals seeking to purchase foreclosed properties.

A Howard City man allegedly drove his car through this township’s cemetery this afternoon, leaving a path of destruction in his wake. Montcalm County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the cemetery at the intersection of Amy School and Cannonsville Road around 3:30 p.m. today.

On Sunday evening, the smallest graduating class in the history of Montabella High School departed school for the final time with diplomas firmly in hand. Though the class may be small in number at 35 graduates, there was no questioning the large size of every heart and mind that was cloaked in a cap and gown of navy blue or white.